Mobile communications terminal using multi-functional socket and method thereof

ABSTRACT

A mobile communications terminal using a multi-functional socket and a method thereof, the mobile communications device comprising a connector capable of connecting the mobile communications device to at least one external device for establishing an electrical connection between the at least one external device and the mobile communications device; a switching unit; and a controller cooperating with the connector and the switching unit to perform, sending and/or receiving at least one signal with respect to the at least one external device via at least one dedicated path according to at least one identification signal; and generating a control signal to control the at least one signal, wherein the at least one signal comprises at least one of a power signal and data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/414,640, filed Apr. 27, 2006, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,899,494,which claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority toKorean Application No. 35189/2005, filed on Apr. 27, 2005, KoreanApplication No. 117103/2005, filed on Dec. 2, 2005, Korean ApplicationNo. 118405/2005, filed on Dec. 6, 2005, and Korean Application No.37546/2006, filed on Apr. 26, 2006, the contents of all of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile communications terminal, andparticularly, to a mobile communications terminal using amulti-functional socket or a female connector which is capable ofminimizing a size of a mobile communications terminal, and a methodthereof.

2. Background of the Invention

In general, a mobile communications terminal is a communication devicecapable of providing a wireless call to another party and providing awireless connection anytime and anywhere by a switching control of anMSC (Mobile Switching Center) while moving in a service region formed bya BS (Base Station).

The mobile communications terminal is provided in an outer surfacethereof with a receptacle for a data communication interface withexternal devices such as a computer or a digital camera and a socket foran interface with peripheral devices such as an earphone or a speaker.

The data communication between the mobile communications terminal andthe external device is performed by a data communication between aninternal or external memory of the external device and a UniversalSerial Bus (USB) or a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART)of the mobile communications terminal. Here, the UART refers to amicrochip storing programs for controlling interfaces toward serialdevices attached to the mobile communications terminal, while the USBrefers to an interface for enabling a data communication between themobile communications terminal and the peripheral devices such as mouse,printer, modern, speaker, and the like.

For the data communications, a USB or UART cable is connected betweenthe mobile communications terminal and the external device. One side ofthe USB or UART cable is connected to a USB or UART port of the externaldevice, and the other side thereof is connected to the receptacle of themobile communications terminal.

In addition, for using an earphone or a microphone by connecting to themobile communications terminal, the earphone or the microphone isinserted into the socket of the mobile communications terminal to thusinput an audio signal to the mobile communications terminal or to outputthe audio signal therefrom.

A remote controller of the mobile communications terminal is connectedinto the middle of the cable of the earphone or microphone connected tothe mobile communications terminal to thus control a communication keyof the mobile communications terminal, a function key of an MP3 player,and the like, resulting in enabling a user to remotely control theoperation of his mobile communications terminal.

The related art mobile communications terminal was provided with areceptacle for a data signal and a socket for a audio signal in itsouter surface, and, performed a data communication or inputted/outputtedthe audio signal by inserting a connector for the data signal or aconnector for the audio signal thereinto, if necessary. Namely, therelated art mobile terminal respectively assigns function correspondingto different interfaces or connectors to the receptacle and the socketunit.

However, the related art mobile communications terminal is provided withthe receptacle for the data signal and the socket for the audio signal.As a result, components included in the receptacle or socket occupy aconsiderable area at the outer surface of the mobile communicationsterminal, and also are positioned in a considerably large area in themobile communications terminal, which results in a difficulty inminimizing of the size of the mobile communications terminal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention pertains to the recognition by thepresent inventors about the background art problems explained above.Namely, it would be advantageous to provide a mobile communicationsterminal using a multi-functional socket or a connector which is capableof minimizing a size of a mobile communications terminal meanwhileperforming all of a data input/output function and a charging functionby use of one socket unit which is provided in the mobile communicationsterminal for receiving at least one signal of a power signal and a datafrom an external device connected thereto, and a method thereof.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein,there, is provided a mobile communications device comprising aconnector, capable of connecting the mobile communications device to atleast one external device for establishing an electrical connectionbetween, the at least one external device and the mobile communicationsdevice; a switching unit; and a controller cooperating with theconnector and the switching unit to perform, sending and/or receiving atleast one signal with respect to the at least one external device via atleast one dedicated path according to at least one identificationsignal; and generating a is control signal to control the at least onesignal, wherein the at least one signal comprises at least one of apower signal and data.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, there is provided a method for using amulti-functional connector of a mobile terminal comprising connecting atleast one external equipment to the mobile terminal and establishing anelectrical connection between the terminal and the equipment;determining whether to receive and send data between the at least oneexternal equipment and the mobile terminal, or receive at the mobileterminal a power signal from an external equipment; processing the powersignal if the mobile terminal is determined to receive the power signal;and directing the data to at least one designated path corresponding toat least one identification signal and generating at least one controlsignal to control directed data based upon the determining to receiveand send the data.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, there is provided an adapter for a mobilecommunications terminal, comprising a main housing; a first aligningportion extending beyond a first surface of the main housing in a firstdirection; a plurality of first electrical contacts supported by thefirst aligning portion; and a plurality of second electrical contactsdisposed along a second aligning portion spaced apart from the firstaligning portion, the second aligning portion extending beneath a secondsurface of the main housing in a second direction.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, there is provided a system comprising at leastone external equipment comprising a connector portion; and a mobilecommunications terminal comprising, a connector capable of connectingthe mobile communications terminal to the at least one externalequipment; a switching unit; and a controller cooperating with theconnector and the switching unit to perform, sending and/or receiving atleast one signal with respect to the at least one external equipment viaat least one dedicated path according to at least one identificationsignal; and generating a control signal to control the at least onesignal, wherein the at least one signal comprises at least one of apower signal and data.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an exemplary view of a mobilecommunications terminal using a multi-functional socket in accordancewith a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a connector of the mobilecommunications terminal in accordance with the first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating sequential steps of a method forusing a multi-functional socket in accordance with a first embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 4A through 4C are views illustrating pin allocation tables ofconnector of several external device in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are exemplary views showing a mobile communicationsterminal using a switching processing unit in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a construction of a multi-functionalsocket in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A through 7E are views illustrating pin allocation tables for amulti-functional socket in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an operational principle of a switchingprocessing unit in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary view illustrating a construction of a mobilecommunications terminal using a multi-functional socket in accordancewith a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 10A through 10F are views illustrating pin allocation tables for amulti-functional socket in accordance with a third embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Description will now be given in detail of the present invention, withreference to the accompanying drawings.

Explanations will now be made for a mobile communications terminal usinga multi-functional socket which is capable of minimizing a size of amobile communications terminal by performing all of a data input/outputfunction and a charging function by use of one socket unit which isprovided in the mobile communications terminal for receiving at leastone of a power signal and a data from an external device connectedthereto, and a method thereof. Furthermore, the present invention mayprovide an adapter for a mobile communications terminal which is anobject that you use to connect two different pieces of electricalequipment, or to connect two pieces of equipment to the same powersupply and is capable of simultaneously performing at least twofunctions of a data input/output function and a charging function.

One socket unit for performing the data input/output function and thecharging function to be explained with reference to embodiments of thepresent invention may be applied to all types of mobile communicationsterminals including mobile phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs),note books, a Portable Multimedia Players (PMPs), and the like. Here,the data comprises at least one of a call connection signal, a callreceiving signal, a general device controlling signal, a computer file,a text data, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) data, and UniversalAsynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) data and a multimedia data. Inaddition, a TV-out function may be performed by the one socket unitdisposed in the mobile communications terminal.

Here, the one socket unit provided in the mobile communications terminalrefers to a socket unit to which an earphone for performing an datainput/output function is connected. The socket unit is constituted with12 pins in the embodiments of the present invention. However, theconstruction of the socket unit may not be limited on 12 pins. Rather,it may be preferable to include the minimum number of pins required forperforming all of the data input/output function and the chargingfunction.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a construction of a mobile communicationsterminal using a multi-functional socket in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a mobile communications terminal using amulti-functional socket in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention may include a transceiver 110, a input unit 120, adisplay 150, a socket unit, a connector, or a jack 170 for receivingand/or sending at least one of a power signal and a data from anexternal device connected thereto, a switching unit (or switchingcircuit) 160 for forwarding the received data to designated pathsaccording to at least one identification signal, a controller 140 forgenerating at least one control signal to control the forwarded data,and a memory 130 for storing information for the socket unit 170 and aconnector of the external device connected to the socket unit 170.

Here, the switching unit 160 forwards signals inputted from the externaldevice performing at least one of the data input/output function and thecharging function to designated paths based upon at, least oneidentification signal inputted from the connected external device. Theidentification signal denotes a signal outputted from an arbitrary pinof the socket unit 170 to which a connector of the external device isconnected to thus identify a type of at least one external device.

FIG. 2 shows the exemplary view of the connector or socket unit 170arranged at the mobile communications terminal in accordance with thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the socket unit or connector 170 may beprovided in an arbitrary area of the mobile communications terminal 100so as to be connected to a connector portion 190 of at least one ofseveral external equipment (not shown) performing the data input/outputfunction and the charging function. Preferably, the socket unit 170 maybe provided at a left or right side of upper, lower, left and rightsides based upon a display unit of the mobile communications terminal.

Opposite the connector 170, a connector portion 190 of the externalequipment can include an aligning portion 191 to guide the connector 170to receive the connector portion 190 of the external equipment. Thealigning portion 191 may extend beyond one surface of the connectorportion in a longitudinal direction and be configured to be shaped tomatch an opening of the connector 170. Here, the connector or socketunit 170 and the aligning portion 191 can be formed in various shapes,such as rectangle or circle. In addition, numerous materials can be usedto make the connector 170 and aligning portion 191. The configuration ofthe connector 170 and the connector portion 190 as explained above canmerely be cited for the sake of explanation of the present invention andthe shape other than this can be used as it would be understood by thoseskilled in the art.

A plurality of electrical contacts or pins 171 can be disposed at aninner or outer surface of the connector 170 on a serial configuration, aparallel configuration or a variety of different configurationsincluding a single row arrangement or two. Furthermore, a plurality ofsecond electrical contacts can be arranged at an inner or outer surfaceof the aligning portion 191 of the connector portion 190 to be matedwith the plurality of electrical contacts 171. The configuration of theplurality of electrical contacts 171 arranged inside the connector 170has been referred to merely for the sake of explanation of the presentinvention and other configurations. For example, two or more smallerconnectors instead of a single connector as shown in FIG. 2 can bearranged at the mobile terminal and at least one set of smaller numberof electrical contacts can be disposed in each of the two or moresmaller connectors. Additionally, the smaller sized connector can beconfigured to be a form of an audio jack and the corresponding one setof the plurality of electrical contacts can be arranged along the audiojack shaped connector in a longitudinal direction. This audio shapedjack can receive an ordinary audio plug of a stereo head phone orspeaker. Any different configuration of the connector, the plurality ofelectrical contacts and the connector portion other than the aboverecited embodiments can be used as it would be understood by thoseskilled in the art.

The opening of the connector 170 can be flush with the general outersurface of the mobile terminal body 100. The connector 170 may extendbeneath the outer surface of the mobile terminal body to be mated withthe aligning portion 191 as shown in FIG. 2. However, the arrangement ofthe connector 170 to receive the aligning portion 191 can be reversed insuch a way that the connector portion 190 of the external equipment canreceive a possible aligning portion of the connector 170, theconfiguration not shown.

Furthermore, the connector portion 190 can be formed in numerousconfigurations as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the aligningportion 191 can be extended from a side wall of the connector portion190 as shown in FIG. 2 or extended from a top surface of the connectorportion 190 as shown in FIG. 1. Here, the terms, top and side, can bemerely cited to describe a generation orientation of the FIG. 1 or 2where the aligning portion 191 is disposed on the upper side of theconnector portion 190 and a cable connected to the external equipment isdisposed at the lower surface of the connector portion 190, as shown inFIG. 1.

The mobile terminal can further include a number of different types of acover or protective device 172 to protect the plurality of contacts 171disposed at an inner or outer surface of the connector 170. Theconnector 170 can be configured to be formed and mounted inside themobile terminal in such way that the connector can be easily replaceablefor any possible repair purpose.

A method for using the multi-functional socket of the mobilecommunications terminal in accordance with the first embodiment of thepresent invention having the construction will now be explained withreference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating sequential steps of a method forusing a multi-functional socket of a mobile communications terminal inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a method for using a multi-functional socketof a mobile communications terminal in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention may include receiving at least oneof a power signal and a data from an external device connected (S310),determining whether the signal is data or the power signal (S320); ifthe signal is data, forwarding the received data to a designated pathaccording to at least one identification signal (S330), generating atleast one control signal to control the forwarded data (S340), andprocessing the forwarded data based upon the generated control signal(S350). If the signal is the power signal, then the method step can moveto the step for processing the power signal (S350).

The method for using the multi-functional socket of the mobilecommunications terminal in accordance with the first embodiment of thepresent invention having the construction will now be explained indetail.

First, the mobile communications terminal 100 is provided with thesocket unit 170 which has the same number of pins as that of theconnector portion 190 of the external device. The external device refersto equipment for performing a data input/output function such as anearphone, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Universal AsynchronousReceiver/Transmitter (UART) data communications, and equipment forperforming a charging function.

Here, the socket unit 170 provided in the mobile communications terminal100 is connected to the connector portion 190 of at least one externaldevice which performs at least one function of the data input/outputfunction and the charging function (S310). Pin mapping allocation tableswhich are differently constructed according to different types ofexternal device will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A through 4C.

FIGS. 4A through 4C are views illustrating pin allocation tables ofconnector of several external device in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a pin allocation table of the socket unit 170 for aconnector portion 190 of the external equipment, especially, a userequipment, for performing the data input/output function among severalexternal device in accordance with the first embodiment of the presentinvention. Here, in the connector portion 190 of the external device,the EAR_L+(5) and EAR_R+(4) may be allocated for audio signals outputtedfrom left and right sides of an earphone, respectively, HOOK DETECT(7)may be allocated for a signal which indicates whether an earphone switchhas been pressed, EAR_M−(8) may be allocated for an audio signalinputted through a microphone of the earphone, and SELECT_1(11) may beallocated for a signal which indicates whether the earphone has beeninserted into the socket unit 170.

FIG. 4B illustrates a pin allocation table of the socket unit 170 for aconnector portion 190 of external equipment, especially, a userequipment, for performing the data input/output function among theseveral external device in accordance with the first embodiment of thepresent invention. Here, in the connector portion 190 of the externaldevice, VPWR(1) may be allocated for a current for charging a battery,USB_POWER(3) may be allocated for power supplied via a USB, USB_D+(4)and USB_D−(5) may be respectively allocated for sending and receiving ofUSB data, TXD(6) and RXD(9) may be respectively allocated for sendingand receiving UART data, CTS (Clear To Send)(7) may be allocated for aCTS signal, RTS (Ready To Send)(8) may be allocated for an RTS signal,and SELECT_2(10) may be allocated for a signal which indicates whetherthe user equipment has been connected.

FIG. 4C illustrates a pin allocation table of the socket unit 170 for aconnector portion 190 of external equipment, especially, a developerequipment, for performing the data input/output function among theseveral external device in accordance with the first embodiment of thepresent invention. Here, in the connector portion 190 of the externaldevice, BATTERY LINE(2) may be allocated for a power supply to abattery, POWER ON(3) may be allocated for turning power on of the mobilecommunications terminal 100, TXD(4) and RXD(5) may be respectivelyallocated for sending and receiving UART data, TDO_ARM(6), TMS(7),TCK(8) and TDI(9) may be allocated for a Joint Test Action Group (JTAG)mode for verification, and SELECT_3(10) may be allocated for a signalindicating whether the developer equipment has been connected.

The SELECT_2(11) of the user equipment and the SELECT_3(10) of thedeveloper equipment are allocated to the same pin so as to be identifiedby signal value ‘0’ or'1′. In addition, the pin mapping allocationtables for the socket unit 170 and the connector portion 190 of theexternal device connected to the socket unit 170 provided in the firstembodiment of the present invention may be variously changeableaccording to methods to be used.

Thus, the mobile communications terminal according to the firstembodiment of the present invention provides the pin mapping allocationtable for equipments performing the data input/output function, namely,the user equipments and the developer equipment, which perform the datainput/output function. Data inputted from the external device may beswitched by identification signals inputted from an arbitrary pin,namely, a tenth pin or an eleventh pin of the connector portion 190 ofthe external device.

Afterwards, it can be determined whether the data has been received(S320) and when the data is received, the switching unit 160 canredirect the data inputted from the external device to designated pathsaccording to the at least one identification signal (S330). A principlefor forwarding the outputted data will be explained with reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are views detailed structures of a switching unit inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the switching unit 160 in accordance with thefirst embodiment of the present invention forwards data inputted from 12pins of the socket unit 170 to paths corresponding to the equipment forperforming the data input/output function, respectively, according to atleast one identification signal.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, regarding the switching unit 160 inaccordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, a firstswitch 161 forwards the data inputted from the 12 pins of the socketunit 170 to the paths corresponding to the equipments for performing thedata input/output function according to a first identification signal,and then a second switch 162 forwards the data forwarded by the firstswitch 161 to paths respectively corresponding to the equipment forperforming the data input/output function according to a secondidentification signal.

The switching unit (160) may forward the data inputted from at least oneexternal device performing the data input/output function to thedesignated path via the first and second switches and the mobileterminal can include more switches according to different kinds of thedata inputted from at least one external device.

Hence, the controller 140 generates at least one control signal tocontrol the forwarded data (S340), and a signal processing unit 141processes the forwarded data based upon the generated control signal orthe received power signal (S350). The signal processing unit 141 denotesa plurality of functional blocks for processing sending and receiving ofsignals with external device which are connectable to the socket unit170. The signal processing unit 141 may comprise an audio processingportion, a USB data processing portion, a UART data processing portion,a battery processing portion and the like, as hardware or software,according to types of external device connected to the socket unit 170.

Thus, the socket unit 170 of the mobile communications terminal isconnected to at least one external device for performing at least onefunction to thus perform the corresponding function. Here, the number ofpins of the connector portion 190 of the connected at least one externaldevice may be constructed as same as the number of pins of the socketunit 170.

Conversely, when the number of pins of the connector portion 190 of theexternal device for performing at least one function of the datainput/output function and the charging function is not constructed assame as the number of pins of the socket unit 170, an adapter forconnecting the connector portion 190 of the external device and thesocket unit 170 is used. Therefore, a construction of a mobilecommunications terminal having a multi-functional socket in accordancewith a second embodiment of the present invention will now be explainedwith reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a construction of a multi-functionalsocket in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a mobile communications terminal 600 using amulti-functional socket in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention may include an adapter 680 connected, to a connector690 of an external device which performs at, least one function of adata input/output function and a charging function, a socket unit 670provided in the mobile communications terminal 600 to thus be connectedto the connector 681 of the adapter 680, a switching unit 660 forforwarding data inputted from the external device connected to thesocket unit 670 to designated paths according to at least oneidentification signal, a controller 640 for generating at least onecontrol signal to control the forwarded data, and a memory 630 forstoring the information namely, pin mapping allocation tables for thesocket unit 670 and the connector 690 of the external device connectedto the socket unit 670.

Here, the adapter 680 may include a first interface 681 connected to thesocket unit 670 provided in the mobile communications terminal 600 andhaving pins arranged in a first direction, a second interface 683connected to the first interface 681 and having pins arranged in asecond direction, and a connection cable 682 for connecting the firstinterface 681 and the second interface 683. The connection cable 682 isflexible member. Here, preferably, the first direction denotes ahorizontal or perpendicular direction with respect to the socket unit670 provided in the mobile communications terminal 600, and the seconddirection cross at right angle with the first direction.

For example, regarding the adapter 680, in order to connect theconnector 690 of the external device having 24 pins to the socket unit670, the first interface 681 of the adapter 680 which is connected tothe socket unit 670 can include 12 pins and the second interface 683 ofthe adapter 680 which connects the connector 690 of the external devicecan include 24 pins.

In accordance with present invention, a mobile communications terminal600 using a multi-functional socket in accordance with a secondembodiment of the present invention may include a second type of adapter680A as shown in FIG. 6. The second type of adapter 680A can engagedwith the connector 691 of a external device 690 and the socket unit 670.The second type of adapter 680A can match corresponding to the socketunit arranged at the other unusual location of the mobile communicationterminal 600. For example, when the socket unit 670 is arranged at theside wall of the terminal, the adapter 680A can be connected with thesocket unit 670 having the new arrangement because a first interface681A of the adapter 680A can be arranged in the perpendicular directionto the longitudinal direction of the adapter 680A, i.e. directly facingthe socket unit 670 arranged at the sidewall of the terminal, as shownin FIG. 6. Because a connection cable 682A and a second interface 683Aof the second type of adapter 680A can be similarly constructed whencompared to or substantially identical to the connection cable 682 andthe second interface 683 of the adapter 680 as cited early, the detaileddescriptions of the connection cable 682 and the second interface 683may not be repeated. The scope of the present invention is not intendedto be limited to any particular elements such as the external device orconnector as described above. Moreover, the scope of the presentinvention may not be limited to any specific kind of external device oradapter, and other various interfaces can be considered to include theessential features of the present invention described in this.

Here, the construction of the mobile communications terminal using themulti-functional socket in accordance to the second embodiment of thepresent invention is the same as that of the mobile communicationsterminal using the multi-functional socket in accordance with the firstembodiment of the present invention to accordingly omit a detailedexplanation thereof. However, when the number of pins of the socket unitprovided in the mobile communications terminal is not the same as thenumber of pins for the connector of the external device, how to use theadapter is different. Accordingly, pin mapping allocation tables for theadapter will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 7A through 7E.

FIGS. 7A through 7E are views illustrating pin allocation tables for amulti-functional socket in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, it can be noticed in the second embodiment ofthe present invention that the mobile communications terminal 600 hasbeen connected to an equipment for performing the data input/outputfunction when an identification signal (i.e., EAR_SENSE(2)) is inputtedfrom the socket unit 670 to which the external device is connectedwithout using the adapter 680. Here, it can also be noticed that thedata input/output function is being performed by third, fourth and fifthpins of the connector 690 of the external device. That is, EAR_M−(3)denotes an audio signal inputted through a microphone. EAR_L+(4) andEAR_R+(5) denote audio signals outputted from left and right sides ofthe earphone, respectively. In addition, a remote control function isbeing performed by sixth, ninth and tenth pins of the connector 690 ofthe external device. That is, REM_VCC(6) denotes a power of a remotecontroller, REM_INT(7) denotes such that the remote control is performedaccording to an interrupt method, and REM_ADC(8) denotes such that theremote control is performed according to an Analog Digital Converter(ADC) method.

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, it can be noticed in the second embodiment ofthe present invention that the mobile communications terminal 600 hasbeen connected to equipment for performing a charging function when anidentification signal (i.e., BATTERY ID (LATCH)) is inputted from thesocket unit 670 to which the external device is connected using theadapter 680. Here, it can be understood that the charging function isbeing performed by each VPWR 11 and 12 of the connector 690 of theexternal device.

Here, the LATCH pin denotes a pin for identifying a power signalinputted from the equipment for performing the charging function, andthus can be separately provided outside the first interface 681 of theadapter 680.

As illustrated in FIG. 7C, it can be noticed in the second embodiment ofthe present invention that the mobile communications terminal 600 hasbeen connected to equipment, especially a developer equipment, forperforming a data input/output function when an identification signal(i.e., ON_SWITCH(8)) is inputted from the socket unit 670 to which theexternal device is connected using the adapter 680. Here, it can beunderstood the connector 690 of the external device can recognize aninsertion of a level converter through the ON_SWITCH(8). Equipment for aUART or USB data communication can be connected to the developerequipment for use in serial.

As illustrated in FIG. 7D, it can be noticed in the second embodiment ofthe present invention that the mobile communications terminal 600 hasbeen connected to equipment for performing a data input/output function(i.e., a USB data communication) when an identification signal (i.e.,USB_POWER(7)) is inputted from the socket unit 670 to which the externaldevice is connected using the adapter 680. Here, in the connector 690 ofthe external device, USB_D+(9) and USB_D−(10) may be allocated for theUSB data communication, the USB_POWER(7) denotes the identificationsignal or a battery charging through the USB, the USB_D+ denotes asending of USB data, and the USB_D− denotes a receiving of the USB data.Because of allocating the same pin number for the USB communication orthe UART communication, the adapter 680 may have a separate switch toredirect the USB or UART data to designated paths according to theidentification signal (i.e., USB_POWER(7)).

Here, the adapter 680 may be provided with a separate chargingIntegrated Circuit (IC) for converting the USB power into a batterypower of the mobile communications terminal 600 so as to enable acharging of the battery of the mobile communications terminal 600 usingthe USB power.

As illustrated in FIG. 7E, it can be noticed in the second embodiment ofthe present invention that the mobile communications terminal 600 hasbeen connected to equipment for performing a data input/output functionwhich is set to a default, namely, the UART data communication, when anyidentification signal is not inputted from an arbitrary pin of thesocket unit 670 to which the external device 690 is connected using theadapter 680. Here, in the connector 690 of the external device, TXD(9)and RXD(10) may be allocated for the UART communication, wherein the TXDdenotes a sending of the UART data and the RXD denotes a receiving ofthe UART data.

Thus, the mobile communications terminal 600 according to the secondembodiment of the present invention generally provides the pin mappingallocation table for the equipment which is connected to the socket unit670 and performs the data input/output function, and the pin mappingallocation table for the equipment which is connected to the secondinterface 682 of the adapter 680 and performs the data input/outputfunction and the charging function by connecting the adapter 680 to thesocket unit 670. Therefore, a principle for forwarding signals outputtedfrom the socket unit 670 will now be explained with reference to FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an, operational principle of a switchingunit in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, regarding the switching unit 660 in accordancewith the second embodiment of the present invention, it can be noticedthat a first switch 661 forwards data inputted from the socket unit 670to paths corresponding to the equipment for performing the datainput/output function based upon the EAR_SENSE signal, and then a secondswitch 662 forwards the data forwarded by the first switch 661 to pathscorresponding to the UART and USB data communications based upon theUSB_POWER signal.

Furthermore, when the number of pins of a connector 690 of the externaldevice for performing at least one function of a data input/outputfunction and a charging function is not constructed as same as thenumber of pins of the socket unit 670, an adapter 680 can connect theconnector 690 of the external device with the socket unit 670. Inaddition, a first device to perform the data input/output function, anda second device to manage the charging function can simultaneously beconnected to the adapter for further use. For the construction, theadapter 680 can comprise not only first and second interfaces 681, 682but also a third connector having pins arranged in a first direction orsecond direction. Hence, a construction of a mobile communicationsterminal using a multi-functional socket in accordance with a thirdembodiment of the present invention will now be explained with referenceto FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a construction of a mobile communicationsterminal using a multi-functional socket in accordance with a thirdembodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, a mobile communications terminal 900 using amulti-functional socket in accordance with a third embodiment of thepresent invention may include an adapter 980 connected to connector 990of at least two external devices which perform at least one function ofa data input/output function and a charging function. Here, the adapter980 may include at least two female interfaces 983 and 984 respectivelyreceiving a connector 990 of at least two external devices, and a maleinterface 981 connected to the socket unit 970.

Furthermore, the adapter 980 can have different arrangements of thefemale interfaces as shown in FIG. 9. For example, a different type ofadapter 980A can include a first female interface 983A having adirection of orientation perpendicular to (or in any different angle)that of the second female interface 983B in accordance with the presentinvention. This arrangement can prevent two external devices frominterfering with each other when connected to the adapter 980A.

Explanation for the mobile communications terminal using themulti-functional socket in accordance with the third embodiment of thepresent invention is the same as that in accordance with the secondembodiment of the present invention, and thus a detailed explanation forthe mobile communications terminal using the multi-functional socket inaccordance with the third embodiment of the present invention will beomitted. Pin allocation tables of the extended socket unit in accordancewith the third embodiment of the present invention will now be explainedwith reference to FIGS. 10A through 10F.

FIGS. 10A through 10F are views illustrating pin allocation tables for amulti-functional socket in accordance with a third embodiment of thepresent invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, it can be noticed in the thirdembodiment of the present invention that the mobile communicationsterminal 900 has been connected to both equipment for performing thedata input/output function and equipment for performing the chargingfunction when detecting identification signals (i.e., EAR_SENSE(2) andBATTERY ID (LATCH)) inputted from the socket unit 970 to which the atleast two external device are connected. Here, in the connector of theexternal device which performs the data input/output function, the datainput/output is performed by EAR_M−(3), EAR_L+(4) and EAR_R+(5), aremote control is performed by REM_VCC(6), REM_INT(9) and REM_ADC(10),and a charging function is performed by each VPWR (11,12) in theconnector of the equipment which performs the charging function, all ofwhich functions are simultaneously performed.

Here, the connector GND(1) of the equipment for performing the chargingfunction, which is represented by a thick line, a connector GND(1) ofthe equipment for performing the data input/output function, and ainterface BATTERY ID(LATCH) of the adapter 980 must all be opened.Accordingly, after connecting the equipment for performing the chargingfunction to the adapter 980, when the adapter 980 is connected to thesocket unit 970 of the mobile communications terminal 900, it may bepossible to prevent an error of an unsuccessful charging which may occurdue to non-recognition of a battery.

For example, the user connects both a charger and an earphone to theinterfaces 983 and 984 of the adapter 980 to thus enable the chargingfor power of the mobile communications terminal 900 using the chargerand the communicating with another party or listening to music using theearphone.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10C and 10D, it can be noticed in the thirdembodiment of the present invention that the mobile communicationsterminal 900 has been connected to the equipment for performing thecharging function, and the equipment for performing the datainput/output function when detecting identification signals (i.e.,BATTERY ID (LATCH) and USB_POWER(7)) inputted from the socket unit 970to which the several equipment are connected. Here, a data input/outputis performed by EAR_M−(3), EAR_L+(4) and EAR_R+(5) in the connector of afirst external device which performs the data input/output function, oneof USB and UART data communication functions is performed byUSB_D+/TXD(9) and USB_D−/RXD(10) in the connector of a second externaldevice which performs the data input/output function, all of whichfunctions are simultaneously performed. However, the ninth and tenthpins are equally allocated the remote control and one of the USB andUART data communications to thus be selected by a separate switch.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10E and 10F, it can be noticed in the thirdembodiment of the present invention that the mobile communicationsterminal 900 has been connected to the equipment for performing thecharging function and the equipment for performing the data input/outputfunction when detecting the identification signals (i.e., BATTERY ID(LATCH) and USB_POWER(7)) inputted from the socket unit 970 to which theseveral equipment are connected. Here, the charging function isperformed by each VPWR(11, 12) in the connector of the external devicewhich performs the charging function, and one of USB and UART datacommunications is performed by USB_D+/TXD(9) and USB_D−/RXD(10) in theconnector of the external device which performs the data input/outputfunction, all of which functions are simultaneously performed.

As described above, regarding the mobile communications terminal usingthe multi-functional socket according to the present invention and themethod thereof, by implementing one socket unit for receiving at leastone of the power signal and the data from the external device connectedthereto, all of the data input/output function and the charging functioncan be performed by the one socket unit, so as to enable a minimizationof the size of the mobile communications terminal.

In accordance with the present invention, a mobile communications devicemay comprise: a display unit; a connector capable of connecting themobile communications device to at least one external device forestablishing an electrical connection between the at least one externaldevice and the mobile communications device; a switching unit; and acontroller cooperating with the connector and the switching unit toperform, sending and/or receiving at least one signal with respect tothe at least one external device via at least one dedicated pathaccording to at least one identification signal; and generating acontrol signal to control the at least one signal, wherein the at leastone signal comprises at least one of a power signal and data. Theconnector can comprise a plurality of first contacts, and wherein the atleast one external device comprises an interface portion shaped in aconfiguration to include a plurality of second contacts and to connectthe plurality of first contacts to the plurality of second contacts.

The device can include a memory device for storing contacts mappingallocation tables for at least one of the plurality of first and secondcontacts and storing an identity of the at least one external device.The switching unit may include: a first switch directing a portion ofthe data corresponding to the first external device performing the datainput/output function via a first designated path based upon a firstidentification signal, and a second switch directing a portion of thedata corresponding to the second external device performing the datainput/output function via a second designated path based upon a secondidentification signal, wherein the data comprises at least one of a callconnection signal, a call receiving signal, a general device controllingsignal, a computer file, a text data, a Universal Serial. Bus (USB)data, and Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) data and amultimedia data.

The mobile communications device may further comprise a signalprocessing unit to process the directed data based upon the generatedcontrol signal, the signal processing unit comprising a plurality offunctional modules for sending and receiving the data with respect tothe at least one external device. The connector can be configured toconnect the mobile communications device to the at least one externaldevice for establishing an electrical connection between the at leastone external device and the mobile communications device via an adapterhaving a first interface portion capable of being connected to theconnector and a second interface portion capable of being connected to aconnector portion of the at least one external device. In addition, theconnector can be configured to connect the mobile communications deviceto two external devices for establishing an electrical connectionbetween the two external devices and the mobile communications devicerespectively via an adapter having a first interface portion capable ofbeing connected to the connector, a second interface portion capable ofbeing connected to a connector portion of a first external device, and athird interface portion capable of being connected to a connectorportion of a second external device. Here, the identification signal cancomprise a signal from at least one pin of the connector to which aconnector portion of the at least one external device is adapted to beconnected in order to identify the at least one external device. Thefirst interface portion can further include at least one pin foridentifying a power signal inputted from the at least one externaldevice capable of providing the power signal to the mobilecommunications device. The mobile communications device may comprise oneof a mobile wireless phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), anotebook, and a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP).

In accordance with the present invention, a method for using amulti-functional connector of a mobile terminal may comprise: connectingat least one external equipment to the mobile terminal and establishingan electrical connection between the terminal and the equipment;determining whether to receive and send data between the at least oneexternal equipment and the mobile terminal, or receive at the mobileterminal a power signal from an external equipment; processing the powersignal if the mobile terminal is determined to receive the power signal;and directing the data to at least one designated path corresponding toat least one identification signal and generating at least one controlsignal to control directed data based upon the determining to receiveand send the data. The method can further comprise: receiving theidentification signal to identify the at least one external device, theidentification signal comprising a signal from at least one pin of theconnector to which a connector portion of the at least one externaldevice is adapted to be connected.

The method may direct a portion of the data corresponding to a firstexternal device performing the data input/output function via a firstdesignated path according to a first identification signal; and direct aportion of the data corresponding to the second external deviceperforming the data input/output function via a second designated pathaccording to a second identification signal, wherein the data comprisesat least one of a call connection signal, a call receiving signal, ageneral device controlling signal, a computer file, a text data, aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) data, and Universal AsynchronousReceiver/Transmitter (UART) data and a multimedia data.

Additionally, the method can simultaneously process the power signal anddirect the data to at least one designated path corresponding to atleast one identification signal upon detecting the mobile terminalconnected to a first external device for providing the power signal tomobile terminal and a second external device for performing the datainput/output function. The method can comprise storing electricalcontacts mapping allocation tables for at least one of a first externaldevice for providing the power signal to mobile terminal, and a secondexternal device for performing the data input/output function external;and storing an identity of at least one of the first and second externaldevices.

Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts can beadapted to be allocated for one of charging a battery of the mobileterminal, providing a power supplied via a USB, sending and receiving ofUSB data, sending and receiving UART data, sending and receiving a ClearTo Send (CTS) signal, sending and receiving Ready To Send (RTS) signal,and indicating whether the at least one external device is connected tothe mobile terminal.

As described above, there can an adapter for a mobile communicationsterminal, comprising: a main housing; a first aligning portion extendingbeyond a first surface of the main housing in a first direction; aplurality of first electrical contacts supported by the first aligningportion; and a plurality of second electrical contacts disposed along asecond aligning portion spaced apart from the first aligning portion,the second aligning portion extending beneath a second surface of themain housing in a second direction. The first aligning portion mayinclude an inner surface and an outer surface and the plurality of firstelectrical contacts are arranged at one of the inner surface and theouter surface.

The adapter can further comprise a plurality of third electricalcontacts disposed along a third aligning portion spaced apart from thefirst aligning portion and the second aligning portion, wherein thethird align portion are extending beneath of a third surface of the mainhousing in a third direction. At least one set of the plurality of thefirst, second and third electrical contacts can be adapted to mate witha connector of at least one electrical device. Here, the first, secondand third direction can be one of parallel to one another andrespectively different from one another. Furthermore, the adapter mayinclude an indicator showing whether at least one of a mobilecommunications terminal and an external electrical device is connectedto the adapter.

In accordance with the present invention, a system can comprise at leastone external equipment comprising a connector portion; and a mobilecommunications terminal comprising, a connector capable of connectingthe mobile communications terminal to the at least one externalequipment; a switching unit; and a controller cooperating with theconnector and the switching unit to perform, sending and/or receiving atleast one signal with respect to the at least one external equipment viaat least one dedicated path according to at least one identificationsignal; and generating a control signal to control the at least onesignal, wherein the at least one signal comprises at least one of apower signal and data.

The system also can include an adapter comprising, a main housing; afirst aligning portion extending beyond a first surface of the mainhousing in a first direction; a plurality of first electrical contactssupported by the first aligning portion; and a plurality of secondelectrical contacts disposed along a second aligning portion spacedapart from the first aligning portion, the second aligning portionextending beneath a second surface of the main housing in a seconddirection, wherein at least one set of the plurality of the first andsecond electrical contacts is adapted to mate with one of the connectorportion of the at least one external equipment and the connector of themobile communications terminal.

As the present invention may be embodied in several forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, itshould also be understood that the above-described embodiments are notlimited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unlessotherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within itsspirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore allchanges and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of theclaims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intendedto be embraced by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile communication device, comprising: aconnector comprising a plurality of contacts and configured forconnecting to at least one external device and establishing anelectrical connection between the at least one external device and themobile communication device; a switching device configured for switchingan allocation of at least one contact of the plurality of contacts; acontroller configured for cooperating with the connector and theswitching device to: send or receive at least one signal correspondingto the at least one external device via at least one dedicated pathbased on at least one identification signal related to the at least oneexternal device; and generate a control signal to control the sending orreceiving of the at least one signal; and a memory configured forstoring at least one contact mapping table for the plurality ofcontacts, each of the at least one contact mapping table defining anallocation of the at least one signal to the plurality of contacts basedon the at least one identification signal, the allocation of the atleast one signal to the plurality of contacts changing the function ofat least one contact of the plurality of contacts, wherein each of theat least one contact mapping table is different from other of the atleast one contact mapping table and is configured based on at least onecorresponding external device of the at least one external device, andwherein the at least one signal comprises at least a power signal or adata signal.
 2. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein theplurality of contacts of the connector are configured for mating with aplurality of contacts of the at least one external device.
 3. The mobilecommunication device of claim 1, wherein: the at least one externaldevice comprises a first external device and a second external device;and the switching device comprises: a first switch configured fordirecting a portion of data corresponding to the first external devicevia a first designated path of the at least one dedicated path based ona first identification signal of the at least one identification signal;and a second switch configured for directing a portion of datacorresponding to the second external device via a second designated pathof the at least one dedicated path based on a second identificationsignal of the at least one identification signal, wherein the datacorresponding to the first external device and the second externaldevice comprises at least a call connection signal, a call receivingsignal, a general device controlling signal, a computer file, text data,Universal Serial Bus (USB data, Universal AsynchronousReceiver/Transmitter (UART) data or multimedia data.
 4. The mobilecommunication device of claim 3, further comprising: a signal processingunit configured for processing the directed portion of datacorresponding to one of the first external device and the secondexternal device based on the generated control signal, the signalprocessing unit comprising a plurality of functional modules configuredfor sending and receiving the portion of data corresponding to the firstexternal device and the second external device.
 5. The mobilecommunication device of claim 1, wherein the connector is furtherconfigured for connecting the mobile communication device to the atleast one external device to establish communication via an adapterhaving a first interface portion configured to connect to the connectorand a second interface portion configured to connect to a connectorportion of the at least one external device.
 6. The mobile communicationdevice of claim 1, wherein the connector is further configured forconnecting the mobile communication device to two external devices ofthe at least one external device to establish the electrical connectionbetween the two external devices and the mobile communication device viaan adapter having a first interface portion configured to connect to theconnector, a second interface portion configured to connect to aconnector portion of a first external device of the two externaldevices, and a third interface portion configured to connect to aconnector portion of a second external device of the two externaldevices.
 7. The mobile communication device of claim 6, wherein thefirst interface portion comprises at least one contact for identifying apower signal received from the at least one external device.
 8. Themobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the at least oneidentification signal comprises a signal received via at least onecontact of the plurality of contacts of the connector to which aconnector portion of the at least one external device is configured tobe connected for identifying the at least one external device.
 9. Themobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the mobile communicationdevice comprises a mobile wireless phone, a Personal Digital Assistant(PDA), a notebook, or a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP).
 10. A methodfor using a multi-functional connector of a mobile terminal, the methodcomprising: storing at least one contact mapping table in a memory ofthe mobile terminal, each of the at least one contact mapping tabledefining an allocation of at least one signal that corresponds to atleast one external device to a plurality of contacts of a connector ofthe mobile terminal based on at least one identification signal relatedto the at least one external device, wherein each of the at least onecontact mapping table is different from other of the at least onecontact mapping table and is configured based on at least onecorresponding external device of the at least one external device;connecting the at least one external device to the mobile terminal viathe connector; establishing an electrical connection between the atleast one external device and the mobile terminal via the connector;determining, via a controller of the mobile terminal, whether to receiveor send data between the at least one external device and the mobile orterminal or to receive, at the mobile terminal, a power signal from theat least one external device; processing the power signal, via thecontroller, when a result of the determination is to receive the powersignal; and directing the data, via the controller, to at least onedesignated path corresponding to the at least one identification signalwhen a result of the determination is to receive or send the data, andgenerating at least one control signal, via the controller, to controlthe directed data when a result of the determination is to receive andsend the data, wherein directing the data to the at least one designatedpath comprises: directing, via a switching device of the mobileterminal, a portion of the data corresponding to a first external deviceof the at least one external device via a first designated path of theat least one dedicated path based on a first identification signal ofthe at least one identification signal; and directing, via the switchingdevice, a portion of the data corresponding to a second external deviceof the at least one external device via a second designated path of theat least one dedicated path based on a second identification signal ofthe at least one identification signal, and wherein the allocation ofthe at least one signal to the plurality of contacts changes thefunction of at least one contact of the plurality of contacts.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising: receiving, via at least onecontact of the plurality of contacts of the connector, the at least oneidentification signal to identify the at least one external device, theat least one identification signal comprising a signal received via theat least one contact of the plurality of contacts to which a connectorportion of the at least one external device is configured to beconnected.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: directing,via a first switch of the switching device, the portion of datacorresponding to the first external device via the first designated pathof the at least one dedicated path based on the first identificationsignal; and directing, via a second switch of the switching device, theportion of data corresponding to the second external device via thesecond designated path of the at least one dedicated path based on thesecond identification signal, wherein the data corresponding to thefirst external device and the second external device comprises at leasta call connection signal, a call receiving signal, a general devicecontrolling signal, a computer file, a text data, Universal Serial Bus(USB) data, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) data ormultimedia data.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising:detecting, via the controller, that the mobile terminal is connected tothe first external device and the second external device, the firstexternal device configured for providing the power signal to mobileterminal and the second external device configured for performing datainput and output; and simultaneously processing the power signal anddirecting the data to the at least one designated path corresponding tothe at least one identification signal upon the detection that themobile terminal is connected to the first external device and the secondexternal device.
 14. The method claim 11, wherein connecting the atleast one external device to the mobile terminal comprises mating theplurality of contacts of the connector with a plurality of contacts of aconnector portion of the at least one external device.
 15. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising allocating at least one contract of theplurality of contacts for one of for at least charging a battery of themobile terminal, providing power supplied via a Universal Serial Bus(USB), sending and receiving USB data, sending and receiving UniversalAsynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) data, sending and receiving aClear To Send (CTS) signal, sending and receiving a Ready To Send (RTS)signal, or indicating whether the at least one external device isconnected to the mobile terminal.